Sad about Livin Lite Camp Lite Products
We have a great Livin Lite model 10.0 TC. We bought this product because of its non-wood construction and all aluminum exterior/framing, to include the roof. Now since Thor bought-out LL, they hav...
Forum Discussion
silversand wrote:wvabeer wrote:
I guess I got one of the good ones with the aluminum roof. That TPO is garbage.
...our TPO roof was installed during manufacture of our truck camper back in Feb/March 2005 (for pick-up by us at the factory in May 2005), and after 11 years of use, it still looks like new (despite a small "dent" in the TPO due to my dropping of a 10 LB steel tree pruning head, from a height of ~21 feet, onto the roof).
You should be aware of the changes in TPO formulation over the years, and the lapse of the patent (I believe in 2010), that allowed numerous manufacturers to jump into the TPO manufacturing fray.
Carlisle SynTec Inc., the manufacturer of our TPO membrane, changed their formulation in ~2007, to, "...enhanced ultraviolet and heat-aging stabilizers intended to improve long-term membrane performance." Then, after the expiry of patent, reportedly new manufacturers jumped into the TPO game with their own formulations...there was talk that a 2010 revision to ASTM D6878 (membrane heat testing, to increase from 240 F for 28 days, to 275 F for 56 days) by the TPO manufacturers, was supposed to be voted on by ASTM voting members....I don't know if this was ever adopted.
We have the pre formula change TPO chemistry from Carlisle SynTec, allowing for a less complicated lap sealant application (one part, not 2 part process).
Anyhow, it is up to the RV buyer to do their due diligence vis-Ã -vis the various RV components (shell, roof, windows, siding, frame, floor and appliances) when shopping for a new unit.
On edit: ....as an afterthought, many people get TPO confused with EPDM rubber roofing membranes...very, very different products and very different puncture, tear and UV-A & B resist.
I have had only one TPO roof, it was on a 2006 Gulfstream Cavalier FEMA trailer. I puchased it in 13 so the roof was 7 years old. I replaced that roof and there wasn't much dry 1/8" luan left so I replaced it with 7/16" OSB and 90 mil EPDM. The TPO I took off was of low quality ,thin almost looked like painted canvas. Thats is why I called it garbage. I hope its of way better quality now.
